SPRINGFIELD -- Gov. George H. Ryan today awarded 85 grants totaling nearly $23 million to help make infrastructure improvements in communities throughout Illinois. The grants are a component of the Community Development Assistance Program (CDAP).

"Improving and expanding infrastructure is crucial to helping communities reach their economic development potential," Ryan said. "These projects contribute to the quality of life by giving smaller communities the means to update their infrastructure systems."

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs (DCCA) administers the CDAP program. The 85 successful applicants were chosen following a competitive review based primarily on community need.

Pam McDonough, Acting Director of DCCA, said the public infrastructure grant process is extremely competitive. "We received 200 applications totaling $60.5 million for these Public Facilities and Design grants," McDonough noted. "Community leaders across Illinois understand that a strong infrastructure is one of the foundations of healthy economic growth."

CDAP grants are awarded to units of local government with populations of 50,000 or less that are not located within one of the eight large urban counties that receive funds directly from HUD.